Stirlingshire Tourist Guide

Stirlingshire fuses modernity and history

Back in the days when people talk of Stirlingshire, they are talking about the capital of Scotland. But this isn’t the case right now. Stirlingshire is no longer known as the capital of Scotland. But this doesn’t diminish the role that can be played by the county for Scotland. In fact, Stirlingshire has taken a new role. Stirling or Stirlingshire is now considered as the heritage capital of the country. This county is located on the main road to the Highlands. The skyline of the county plus its environs is an interesting mix of history and modernity. Casting an imposing figure on the county is the Stirling Castle; a castle that has witnessed some of the grand events in the country’s history. These events include the Battle of Stirling Bridge and the wars of Independence. And what lends an aura of modernity to the county is the Stirling University with its university students.

Aside from the Stirling Castle, there are other historical sites that can be seen in the county and all these sites almost date back to the 15th century. One such site of significant importance is the Stirling’s Old Town Jail. Here you can experience the harsh realities of prison life during the 19th century. The Church of the Holy Rude is another must-see site. This is the place where St James VI was crowned in 1567. The church itself is worth checking out with its stained glass windows and rare surviving medieval open timber roof. If you continue the trip down the road, then the Mar’s Wark wouldn’t be missed. This is now a grandiose ruin of what was once a magnificent 16th century town house owned by the Earl of Mar. For anyone interested in stately mansions, then Argyll’s Lodging is the place to be. This structure was built in the 17th century by the first Earl of Stirling.

But of all the historical sites and building in the area, it is still the Stirling Castle that cast an imposing figure. So it is recommended that visitors of the county should take a trip towards the castle. The castle sits a top of a rock and can be seen from miles afar. The castle’s history is well-documented. This castle has defended the city, and this castle is often considered as a military key to the Scottish Kingdom. In fact during the 13th and the 14th century Wars for Independence, this castle has stood at the center of it all. The castle has become as the thorn for Edward I’s move to conquer Scotland and the Highlands. But eventually the castle fell into the hands of the English in 1304.

The Stirling Castle can be your perfect vantage point as well to take a good look around the area. From here you’ll see the Stirling Bridge. This bridge is no ordinary bridge. This is the place where William Wallace defeated the English in what is referred to as the Battle of Stirling Bridge of 1297. His feat is commemorated by the National Wallace Monument, another noteworthy tourist spot in the area.

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